US3107340A

US3107340A - Remote signal systems

Info

Publication number: US3107340A
Application number: US670756A
Authority: US
Inventors: Sheldon D Silliman; Willard A Derr
Original assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
Current assignee: CBS Corp
Priority date: 1957-07-09
Filing date: 1957-07-09
Publication date: 1963-10-15
Anticipated expiration: 1980-10-15

Description

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REMOTE SIGNAL SYSTEMS Filed July 9. 195') 15 Sheets-Sheet 14 m m u M sfi k 8. u w m 2 m D E I E EL t m 4. a .m W F 9 aw br- Mw 03 smu 2% aw. 58 .m w 11* 55 5 20V Em 10 .2 w 8 A 1 i 2 B 2 t United States Patent 3,107,340 REP/[GTE SIGNAL SYSTEMS Sheldon I). Silliman, Forest Hills, and Willard A. Derr,

Pittsburgh, Pa., assignors to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed July 9, 1957, Ser. No. 676,756 12 Claims. (Cl. 340-463) Our invention relates generally to remote signal systems, and it has reference in particular to a remote indication signal system.

Generally stated, it is an object of our invention to provide a remote position indication system for a plurality of devices, that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and is reliable and effective in operation.

More specifically, it is an object of our invention to provide in a remote indication system for scanning the positions of a plurality of devices, transmitting different signals in accordance with the positions of the devices, and for interposing between predetermined groups of position signals, check signals.

Another object of our invention is to provide in a remote position scanning systemfor indicating the positions of a plurality of devices by transmitting different signals corresponding to the positions of the devices in a plurality of groups separated by synchronization check signals of different predetermined types.

Yet another object of our invention is to provide in a position indication system for starting a scanning operation of the positions of a plurality of devices and, after sending to a remote station a predetermined number of signals, which is less than the total number, corresponding to the positions of certain ones of the devices, interposing a predetermined check signal which, if not acknowledged by the remote station, causes a repetition of the whole scanning operation after it has once been completed.

It is also an object of our invention to provide in a remote indication system for consecutively scanning the positions of a plurality of devices and transmitting groups of signals of one kind or another dependent on the positions of each of a plurality of devices having two operating positions, and for interposing after each group ot indication signals predetermined synchronization check signals.

Another important object of our invention is to provide in a remote indication system for restarting a scanning operation of the positions of a plurality of devices when such scanning operation is once completed, unless predetermined check signals interposed between different groups of the indication signals are acknowledged within a predetermined time.

Other objects will in part be obvious, and will in part be explained hereinafter.

In practicing our invention in accordance with one of its embodiments, the position of each of a plurality of switches at a remote station is scanned one after the other in sequence by using counting means in conjunction with position responsive relays to effect selective operation of one or the other of two frequency shift tone transmitters which normally operate on different frequencies, to shift and produce successive signals of yet other different frequencies depending on whether each switch is open or closed. The positions of the switches are scanned in groups, and after the positions of the one group of the plurality of switches are thus scanned, one of the tones is shifted to produce a synchronization check signal. At the control or receiving station, the successive indication signals operate one or the other of two receivers and effect operation of counting means to successively operate indicating relays in accordance with the positions of the switches at the remote station. Receipt of each synice chronization check signal effects operation of a particular one of two transmitters at the receiving station to produce a corresponding check signal, which effects continuation of the scanning operation for the next group of switches at the remote station or effects reset of the equipment after the last group is scanned. If such check signal is not received within a predetermined time, the scanning of the next group is nevertheless continued, but at the end of the scanning operation, the whole operation is repeated.

For a more complete understanding of the nature and scope of our invention, reference may be made to the following detailed description, which may be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURES 1A through 1C, when placed one below the other in order, provide a schematic diagram of the indication apparatus at a receivingor decoding station embodying the invention in one of its forms.

FIGS. 2A through 20, when placed one below the other in order, and in side by side relationship with FIGS. 1A through 10, respectively, are a schematic representation of the stems of characteristic ones of the relays shown in FIGS. 'lA through 1C.

FIGS. 3A through 3D, when placed one below the other in order, are a schematic diagram of indication apparatus at a remote or transmitting station cooperating with the apparatus at the receiving or decoding station of FIGS. 1A through 1C;

FIGS. .4A through 4D, when placed one below the other in order, and in side !by side relationship with FIGS. 7

3A through 3D, respectively, are a schematic representation of the stems of characteristic ones of the relays shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the remote indication signal system.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1A and 3A, it will be seen that transmitters T1. and T2 at a remote or transmitting station are connected to the conductors of a signal channel S01 for transmitting coded signals of different tone frequencies, such as F1 and F2, to receivers DR1 and DR'Z at a receiving or decoding station. Transmitters D11 and DTZ are located at the decoding station and are connected to the conductors of a separate signal channel .862 for transmitting coded signals of tone frequencies E1 and F210 the remote station where they are received :by receivers R1 and R2 connected to the signal channel S02. The transmitters T1, T2, DTl and DTZ may be of the ctrequency shift tone type, normally operating on a high frequency and shifting to the lower E1 or F2 frequency when keyed, or they could be of a single fre- .quency type, normally transmitting, and turned off when eyed.

In order to provide for indicating the positions or operatingconditions of a plurality of devices, such as switches, .Circuit breakers, radio or radar equipment, or the like, at the remote station, a plurality of switches SW1 through :SWZ Iare provided at the remote station, as shown in FIG. 3D, actuated .by the devices for operating a plurality of position responsive relays G1 through G21. These position responsive relays are utilized in conjunction with .a plurality of counting relays F1 through F21 and an auxiliary indication pulse control relay SS (FIGS. 3A and 3B) to effect .the operation of keying relays '5 and 6 for shifting the tone frequency of the transmitters T1 and T2 from a normal tone frequency to a signal tone frequency for sending signals in accordance with the positions of the switches or breakers. Sequence relays A, B and C are used in conjunction with the counting relays in a well-known manner for elfecting sequential operation ,of the counting relays in response to operation of a pulsing relay SS and an auxiliary synchronizing pulse control relay SS1.

A start relay 4 is provided for operation under the control of a remote start relay 3 which is controlled by auxiliary tone receiver relays 1 and 2 operated by the receivers R1 and R2, or a change-of-status detection relay 16 (FIG. 3C) operated by the G relays. For effecting operation of an auxiliary channel supervision relay 8 to set up operating circuits for keying

relays

5 and 6 of transmitters T1 and T2, an auxiliary remote start relay 7 (FIG. 3C) is operated by the start relay 3, and to also cause a change-of-status relay 16 to function and release the pulsing relays or counting F1 through F21. An energy storage circuit of capacitor C and resistor R is connected about relay 16 to insure positive operation. Channel supervision relays 11 and 12 are provided, being of a delayed operation type. These relays are normally energized from the receiving station through auxiliary tone receiver relays 1 and 2, and override the normal signal pulses, but are released for abnormal channel signals or interruption of the channel circuit. Relay 11 controls a channel supervision lamp SL.

In order to provide for checking the synchronization of the equipment at the receiving station with that of the remote station during transmission of indication signals, synchronization check relays S1, S2 and S3 are interposed between successive groups Fl-F7 and F8-F14 of the counting relays F1 through F21, and at the end of the last group for transmitting through operation of the keying relays 5 and 6 a predetermined check signal after each group of indication signals. A timing relay 19 of the delayed dropout type is controlled by the check relays, and if a return check signal is not received within a predetermined time from the receiving or control station, it effects operation of a synchronization check failure relay 20 to cause operation of an out-of-synchronism and end-of-operation relay 9 to reset the remote station equipment. An auxiliary synchronizing pulse relay 10 operates in conjunction with an auxiliary synchronization pulse control relay SS1 to cause the transmission of only a single synchronizing pulse each time. A power failure relay 13 controls a battery lamp BL and operates in response to a power failure at the remote station and causes the ohange-of-status detector relay 16 to operate when power is re-established so as to effect a scanning operation. An end-of-start relay 14 ope-rates when the start signal is transmitted to control operation of relay 8 and keying

relays

5 and 6. A start-of-indication pulsing relay 15 is provided, which functions when the first indication pulse is transmitted to cause release of a permissive change-of-status relay 18 for resetting the change-of-status relay 16 before a scanning operation starts. An auxiliary status detection relay 17 is provided, which controls an olf-normal lamp ONL, and functions after the start pulses are transmitted to transfer the changed-status relay 16 so that it will not respond to a change in status of a device which has not yet been scanned, but will respond to a change in status of a device which has already been scanned, so as to. start another scanning operation immediately following completion of the one still in progress.

Referring to FIGS. 1A through 1C, it will be seen that auxiliary tone receiver relays D1 and D2 responsive to frequency shift tone signals F1 and F2 respectively, are provided at the control, decoding or receiving station for controlling the operation of channel supervision relay D5 and channel supervision relay D6, which are of the delayed operation type, having delay windings DSD and D6D, as well as pulse drive relays D3 and D4, which control the operation of a plurality of indication relays C1 through C21 corresponding to the switches SW1 through SW21 at the remote station. Relay D5 also controls a channel supervision lamp DSL. The indication relays C1 through C21 are of the double coil type having main operating windings C1 through C21, respectively, and opposing neutralizing windings C1N through CzlN, respectively, which have fewer turns than the main windings, so that with the main winding energized, a relay will pick up, with both windings energized a relay will remain operated, but with the main winding shunted it will return rapidly to the deenergized position.

A plurality of counting relays A1 through A21 are operated by the receiver relays D1 and D2 to count signal pulses received from the remote station, and control the energizing circuits for the indication relays C1 through C21. Sequence relays X, Y and Z are utilized in conjunction with the counting relays to effect successive operation thereof in a manner well known in the art. Synchronization check relays DS1, DS2 and DS3 are interposed after each group of counting relays to eifect operation of post synchronizing timing relays 13A, 13B and 13C, of the delayed type having delay windings 13AD, BBB and 13CD, and which function after first, second and third groups of indication signals are received to reset the counting relays for the next group or for the end of the operation.

A synchronizing auxiliary relay D11 functions to set up a pulse control delay relay D9 having a delay winding D9D for the start, first and third synchronization check pulse operations. An additional synchronization auxiliary relay D12 functions to set up a pulse control delay relay D having a delay winding D10D for the start and second synchronization check pulse operation.

Keying relays D7 and D8 are controlled by relays D9 and D10 to key frequency shifttone transmitters DTll and DTZ, respectively. A receiver-auxiliary-start relay D14- functions to establish operation of relays D9 and D10 to send start pulses of frequencies F1 and F2. A receiver-start-relay 15 functions when the start push button DST at the receiving or decoding station is operated, whenever a power failure relay D26 having a delay winding D201) is operated, or when start pulses of frequencies F1 and F2 are received from the transmitter. An energy storage circuit of a capacitor DC and resistor D R is connected about the relay D to insure positive operation. An indication-of-start relay D19 is provided which operates whenever start pulses or frequencies F1 or F2 are received, or whenever a channel failure occurs. A startof-indication pulsing relay D13 is provided which controls an off-normal lamp DON and functions when the first indication pulse is received to effect operation of receiver-start relay D15 in conjunction with the auxiliary timing relay 20, a power failure relay D21 controls a power supply lamp PSL and effects operation of the start relay D15 in response to a power failure. 'An auxiliary start timing relay D16 having a delay winding DMD is provided for controlling the operation of the auxiliary start relay D14. An end-of-operation or reset relay D17 operates after the third group of indication pulses is received and the synchronizing check pulse is transmitted to release or reset the counting relays.

The transmitters T1, T2, DT1 and DTZ are of the frequency shift type. Each frequency shift tone is normally transmitted at its upper frequency for the normal condition, and the tone is shifted to its lower frequency such as F1 and F2, for the transmission of a signal pulse.

System scanning is started either manually or automatically. Manual starting is accomplished by operating either the system transmitter push button ST or the system receiver push button DST. Automatic starting is performed when any one of the alarm switches SW1 through SW21 operates.

In a manual starting operation from the system transmitter or remote station, the start push button ST is operated, causing relay 4 to operate and seal in. Relay 4 completes the circuit of transmitter T1 -if it is not already operating. If relay 11, which is normally energized, as a result of the transmitter at the receiving station being energized, is energized, relay 8 operates and provides an energizing circuit for the keying

relays

5 and 6 which operate to shift the tone frequencies and send a start signal of frequencies F1 and P2 to the system receiver or decoding station. The length of the start signal is governed by the operation of

relays

5 and 6 and the energizing of relay 14, which deenergizes relay 9 to interrupt the circuit for the keying relays.

The start signal of tones F1 and F2 is received by the receivers DRl and DR2, causing receiving relays DRR11 and DRRZ to deenergize in turn deenergizing receiving relays D1 and D2 to etfect energization of relays D3 and D4, thus effecting operation of relay D19, which prepares the counting relays A1 through A21 for operation.

When the scanning operation is started from the decoding or receiving station, push button DST is operated to effect operation of relay D so as to eifect operation of relay D14. This efrects operation of relays D? and D10 which energize relays D7 and D8, respectively. Operation of relays D7 and D8 opens the keying circuits to the transmitters DT1 and DTZ for sending a system receiver start signal. Relay D16, which is of the slow release type, is released. Relay D14 is deenergized, and the relays D9 and D16 are opened so as to effect operation of relays D7 and D8 only once. The start signal is received by the transmitter receivers R1 and R2 which deenergize receiving relays R111 and RRZ, causing receiving relays 1 and 2 to be momentarily released to eliect deenergization of relay 3, which operates the start relay 4 to start the prestart procedures just as described for manual starting from the system transmitter.

With the system in a normal condition, operation of any alarm switch SW1 through SW21 causes the associated G relay to be energized or released. The changeof-status detection relay .16 is thereupon operated to elfect operation of the start relay 4 to commence the prestart procedures as described for manual starting from the system transmitter.

After each group of indication signals, a scanning check signal is transmitted, and one of synchronization check signal relay S1, S2 or S3 is operated in turn to release the timing relay 19. If a return synchronization check signal of a predetermined frequency is not received Within a predetermined time, the synchronous check failure relay 2%} is operated, and the change-of-status detection relay 16 is energized, so that after .a scanning operation is completed, another scanning operation will be automatically started.

In a scanning operation, a signal is transmitted for each switch position to be indicated. A signal P1 is transmitted if an alarm switch is open, and a signal F2 is transmitted if the alarm switch is closed. The pulses are transmitted in succession as each alarm position is scanned by operation of the counting relays F1 through F21, A, B and C. The receivers DR1 and DRZ are selectively operated in accordance with the signals received, and the associated indication lamp for each alarm switch is lighted or extinguished as determined by the received signal F1 or F2, respectively.

Circuits are provided in the system transmitter so that after a predetermined number of indication signals are sent, a scanning check signal is transmitted to the receiving station. 'If the transmitter and receiver are in step, the same scanning check signal is transmitted from the receiving station back to the remote station, and the system proceeds with the next group of indications to be scanned. At the end of the second group of indications, another scanning check signal is transmitted to the receiving station and checked in a like manner as for the first group. 1f, after a time delay, the scanning check signal is not received at the remote station, the trahsmitter proceeds to scan the second group of points to complete the scanning operation and thereupon recommences a complete scanning cycle.

With the system normally at rest, relays 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, 13 and 19 at the remote station are energized, and relays D1, D2, D5, D6, 13A, 13B, 13C, D16, D20, and D21, at the receiving station together with such of 6 the G and C relays associated with closed alarm switches. For an automatic operation, operation of an alarm switch, such as SW1 at the remote station, eifects operation of the corresponding position relay G1. An energizing circuit is thereupon provided for relay 16 extending from operating winding 16 through contact 17c, and make-before-break contacts Glc and GM. Closure of contact 1611 provides a holding circuit for relay 16. At the same time, an energizing circuit is provided for the start relay 4 through contact 1601, contact 7a and contact 9a. Contact 4a completes a circuit to the transmitter T1 if contact 11a is not already closed (as will usually be the case). An energizing circuit for auxiliary channel supervision relay 8 is provided through

contacts

11b, 14b, 4c, 7a and 9a. Contacts 8a and 8b of relay 8 energize the keying

relays

5 and 6 to open contacts 5a and 6a and effect operation of the transmitters T1 and T2 to shift their tone frequencies and send a start signal of tone frequencies F1 and F2 to thesystem receiver. End-of-start relay 14 is energized through contacts 6b and 5b, and opens contact 14b, to deenergize relay 8, and terminate the start pulse.

An energizing cirruit is provided for the auxiliarystatus-detector relay 17 through contacts and and transfer contacts 17b and change position to disconnect the change-of-status detector relay 16 from bus 25, and prevent further operation thereof by any of the switches SW2 through SW21 before their position has been scanned. Relay 16 is connected to bus 26 through contact 17b so as to effect operation thereof in response to operation of any of the switches SW1 through SW21 after their positions have been scanned in a particular scanning operation. At the same time, a circuit is provided for the auxiliary pulse control relay SS through contact 17a, and relay SS operates to set up circuits to the keying

relays

5 and 6 through contacts SSa and 88b. Contacts SSc close and complete an energizing circuit for the first pulse counting relay F1. Contact Fla of the pulse counting relay completes a circuit to keying relay 6 through contact Glb so that a pulse of frequency F2 is transmitted. The circuit to relay SS is interrupted at contact 6c, so that relay SS deenergizes and interrupts the circuit to counting relay F1 at contact SS0. Sequence relay A thereupon energizes in series with relay F1 through contact Flb, operating winding A and contact Be. Operation of relay A opens contact Aa in series with the keying relay 6, causing the keying relay 6 to release and terminate the first pulse, and relay SS to be energized again for the second pulse through contact 6c. The scanning operation continues with one or the other of the keying

relays

5 and 6 .being operated for the scanning of each of the switches SW2 through SW21, depending on the position of the respective G relay. Tone signals of frequency F1 or F2 are transmitted in order, for each of the switches as the counting relays F1 through F7 operate with their associated seqglence relays A, B and C the usual manner of a counting c am.

When counting relay F7 operates, a circuit is provided for the synchronization check relay S1 through contact F70. A circuit is thereupon provided for relay SS1 through contact S111, and when the seventh pulse is complete, relay A operates in series with relay F7 and the circuit for relay SS1 is completed through contact Ab. The keying relay 5 is operated through contacts 881a and contact S-la to send a tone signal of frequency 1 :1 to the system receiver for the first scanning check signal. When relay 5 operates, relay 10 is operated through contacts 50 and $810 to effect deenergization of relay SS1 at back contact 11th. This provides interlocking, so that only a single check pulse is transmitted. Operation of check relay S1 opens contact Sld, and interrupts the energizing circuit for the timing relay 19, which commences to time out.

At the system receiver the start signal which is transmitted over both channels operates receivers DRI and a DR2, causing relays D1 and D2 to be deenergized. Relays DS and D4 are then energized and D19 is energized through D4b, D31), D18e and locks in through D1917. DZtlD then is deenergized but does not drop out.

The first indication pulse of frequency F2 at the system receiver causes release of receiving relay DRRZ, opening contacts DRR2a so as to effect deenergization of relay D2 and energization of relay D4 through contact D241. Counting relay A1 is operated by a circuit extending through the operating winding A1, contacts Xa, contacts Ya, contacts Zn, contacts D19a, contacts D20, contacts Dld and contacts D140. Contact Ala. closes and an energizing circuit is provided for the operating winding C1 of indication relay C1 extending through a current limiting resistor CLR, contact D-"l-c, contact Xd, contact Ald and the operatng winding Cl. Indication relay C1, therefore, operates and lights the lamp L1 through contact Clb to indicate that the switch SW1 at the remote station is closed.

In addition, the coil of D18 is energized at Ala. This deenergizes D19 and reenergizes D20. In the event that an indication pulse is not received with the timing interval of D29, D20 drops out, resetting D19. Another starting pulse is now necessary to start a signalling cycle.

Successive signals release either relay D1 or D2, to successively operate the counting relays A2 through A7 in conjunction with their sequence relays X, Y and Z in the usual manner. Contacts of the counting relays are used in the circuits of the indication relays C1 through C7 in conjunction with the contacts Dec and D30 to selectively operate or release the C relays so as to light or extinguish their respective lamps.

At the system receiver, check relay D81 is operated through a contact A7b when counting relay A7 operates. A circuit is prepared to relay D11 through contacts DSlla, and when a tone signal of frequency F1 is received for the scanning check signal, the receiver DRl deenergizes its receiving relay DRRl to complete a circuit for relay D3 through contact Dla. A circuit is thereby completed for relay D11, extending through contact D812, D717, operating winding D11, contact 133a, and contact DSli'a. Operation of relay D11 completes a circuit for relay D9 at contact D1111. Keying relay D7 is thereupon energized at contact D9a, and contact D7a opens to provide for sending a single scanning check tone signal of frequency F1 to the transmitter or remote station. A contact Dlle interrupts the energizing circuit for the check signal relay D81, and contact DSlc closes to complete the circuit to counting relay A8 for receiving the first pulse of the second group of indication signals in response to deenergization of relay D1 or D2.

At the remote or transmitting station, the frequency F1 check pulse causes deenergization of the receiving relay RRl and releases the receiving relay 1. Contact 1b closes and a circuit to counting relay F8 is completed through contacts 112 and $10, so that relay F3 operates, and a first scanning pulse for the scanning group of indication signals is transmitted in a manner similar to that described hereinbefore for the operation of counting relays F1 through F7.

The procedures for both the second and third group of indications are similar to those described for the first group of indications. The scanning signal for the sec ond group of indications is a tone signal of frequency F2, as determined by contact 82a in circuit with the keying relay 6. The check signal for the third group of indications is a tone signal of frequency F1 as determined by contact 83a which is connected in circuit with the keying relay 5. When the third scanning check signal from the receiver is received at the remote station, relay 1 is deenergized and relay 9 is operated through contact S30 and 1C, and interrupts the circuit for the auxiliary status detector relay 17 at contact 9e. Deenergization of relay 17 deenergizes the counting relays F1 through F21 at contact 1711 and resets the transmitting equipment. Simultaneously, at the control or decoding station relay D11 is energized through contacts D3a and D3341, and a circuit through contact D111 and contact A210 energizes relay D17, which interrupts the circuits of the counting relays Al-AZl at contact D1751 to reset the equipment.

Thus, when each scanning scan signal is transmitted, a timing circuit is set up. If the return scanning check signal is not received within the predetermined time, the system proceeds with the second group of indications and records the fact that the first group was not scanned successfully. When the system was returned to normal after scanning the first group, it automatically starts a complete scanning cycle again.

Thus, when the system transmitter check relay S1 is operated, the normally energized timing relay 19 is deenergized by the opening of contact Sld. If no scanning check signal is received, relay 19 will be fully re leased to complete an energizing circuit for relay 20 at contact 1%. A contact 20a completes a circuit for the counting relay F8 to start scanning the second group. Make-before-break contacts 20d, lite, of relay 20 energizes the change-of-status detection relay 16 to remember to restart a scanning operation immediately after the completion of the third group of indications. Contacts 2% and Ztlc of relay 2t) are also used to start scanning the third group and to operate relay 9, if no scanning check signal is received after the second and third groups are scanned.

If battery is lost at the remote station, relay 13 deenergizes and sets up a circuit for change of status detector relay 16 to start a scanning operation when power is restored. Sending of the usual start signal of F1 and F2 deenergizes both relays D1 and D2 at the receiving station to reset the counting relays in preparation for a scanning operation.

At the control or receiving station, the normally energized timing delay relay 13A is energized by the operating of contacts D511) when the check relay DSl operates. If no scanning check signal is obtained, relay 13A fully releases after a timed interval to deenergize the counting relays A1 through A7 and the corresponding X, Y or Z relays at contact -13Aa and complete the circuit to relay A8 at contact 13Ab to continue with scanning with the second group of indications. Similarly, contacts DS2b and DSSb release relays 13B and 13C,

if no check-signals are received after the second and third groups, to prepare the system receiver for the third group of scanning pulses, and for returning the system to normal, respectively.

From the above description and the accompanying drawings, it will be realized that we have provided for obtaining indications of a plurality of devices at a remote location in a simple and effective manner. By utilizing check pulses of a predetermined nature between or following diiferent groups of indications, it may be readily ascertained whether the control station or receiver is operating in synchronism with the remote or transmitting station. If it is, the scanning operation is continued in the usual manner until all of the devices at the remote location are scanned. Should the check operation indicate that the receiving or control station is out-of-step with the transmitting or remote station, scanning is nevertheless continued for the following group of groups to complete the particular scanning operation, and a subsequent scanning operation is thereupon automatically initiated until a correct check is obtained. While the invention is shown in connection with frequency shift tone transmitters which shift from a normal frequency to another frequency to deenergize receiving relays for a signal, it will be realized that signals may comprise either the existence or absence of a tone, as well as the transfer from one frequency to another.

Since certain changes may be made in the above described construction and different embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is intended that all the matter shown in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be considered as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

We claim as our invention:

1. In a remote indication system for a plurality of devices having two operating positions, sending means operable to produce two different signals, positional means operated in accordance with the position of each device, counting means, means including the counting means and the positional means connecting the sending means to eifect a scanning operation of the positions of said devices and effect operation of the sending means to transmit one of said signals for each of the devices depending on the position thereof, and check means operable at predetermined points in the scanning operation to send a synchronization check signal comprising one or the other of said difierent signals independently of What the scanning signals are.

2. In a remote indication system, sending means operable to produce two different signals, position responsive means operated accordance with the position of each of a plurality of devices, counting means, circuit means including the position responsive means and the counting means operable to effect a scanning operation by effecting operation of the sending means to produce the one signal or the other, starting means operable to start the counting means, means operable to effect operation of the sending means to produce different predetermined synchronization check signals at predetermined points in the scanning operation, and delay means operable to e-ifect operation of the counting means to continue a scanning operation after each synchronization check signal.

3. .In a remote indication system for a plurality of devices each having two operating positions, sending means operable to produce different signals, counting means operable to count said signals to eifect a scanning operation of the devices, start means operable to start the sending means, means operable by the devices to cause the sending means to produce one signal or the other in accordance with the position of its associated device and effect operation of the start means, check means effecting operation of the sending means to produce a predetermined one or the other of said signals as a synchronization check signal at predeternn'ned positions in a scanning operation, means at a remote station operated by the synchronization check signals to return a synchronization check signal, and means operated by the returned check signal to restart the counting means to continue the scanning operation.

4. In an indication system, sending means at one station operable to produce two different signals, means operated by a plurality of devices in accordance with the position of the devices, means including counting means and said position responsive means effecting op eration of the sending means to scan the positions of the devices and produce one signal or the other for each of the devices in accordance with its position, synchronization check means operable to eifect operation of the sending means to produce a predetermined one of said signals as a check signal after predetermined ones of the position signals during a scanning operation, means at a remote station operated by the synchronization check signal to return a corresponding synchronization check signal, delay means operated by the synchronization check means to continue operation of the counting means to the end of the scanning operation and eife'ct initiation of another scanning operation, and means actuated by the return synchronization check signal to prevent operation of the delay means and eifect operation of the counting means to complete the scanning operation.

5. In a position indicating system for a plurality of devices, sending means operable to produce two distinctive signals, counting means operable to effect operation of the sending means to produce a signal for each device, means operated by the devices to control operation of the sending means to produce a signal of one kind or the other dependent on the position of the device, start means operable to effect operation of the counting means, means responsive to operation of the counting means to eifeot operation of the sending means to send a predetermined check signal at predetermined intervals during a counting operation, means at a remote station operated by the check signal to send a return check signal, delay means at the location of the devices operable a predetermined time afiter sending a check signal to cause the counting means to continue a counting operation and eifect operation of the start means to start another counting operation following completion of a previous one, and means at the location of the devices operated by the return check signal operable to cause the counting means to continue the counting operation and to prevent operation of the delay means.

6. In an indication system at one station for a plurality of devices at another station, a plurality of indicating means at said one station, receiving means at said one station individually responsive to a different one of two diiferent types of signals, sending means at said one station operable to produce two different signals, counting means at said one station operated in successive groups by either of the receiving means, synchronization check means operated by the counting means of each group at the end of corresponding group count, means including said check means connected to operate the sending means to produce a predetermined one of said signals and condition the next group of counting means for operation in response to operation of the receiving means, and circuit means including the receiving means and counting means connected to effect selective operation of the indicating means.

7. In a system for indicating at one station the positions of a plurality of devices at a remote station, sending means at the remote station operable to produce different signals, means at the remote station operated in accordance with the position of the devices, counting means cooperative with the position responsive means to eifect operation of the sending means to produce signals in accordance with a group of the devices, synchronization check means operated at the end of said group count to effect operation of the sending means to produce a predetermined synchronization check signal, receiving means at the one station selectively operated by the signals, counting means at the one station operated in groups by the receiving means, indicating means at said one station selectively operated by the receiving and counting means to indicate the positions of the devices, synchronization check means at said one station operated at the end of a group in response to selective operation of the receiving means by said predetermined synchronization check signal to effect operation of the sending means at said one station to produce a predetermined synchronization check signal and prepare the counting means for the next group count, and means at the remote station responsive to said check signal to eifect operation of the remote station counting means to start another group count.

8. In an indication system for a plurality of devices at a remote station, sending means at the remote station operable to produce one signal or the other, means including counting means and means responsive to the position of the devices operable to effect selective operation of the signal means to produce one signal or the other in accordance with the positions of the devices, check means at the remote station operable to effect operation of the sending means to produce a predetermined one or the other of the signals at predetermined intervals in a counting operation, receiving means at another station, coon-ting means at said another station operated by the receiving means thereat, sending means at

Claims

1. IN A REMOTE INDICATION SYSTEM FOR A PLURALITY OF DEVICES HAVING TWO OPERATING POSITIONS, SENDING MEANS OPERABLE TO PRODUCE TWO DIFFERENT SIGNALS, POSITIONAL MEANS OPERATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POSITION OF EACH DEVICE, COUNTING MEANS, MEANS INCLUDING THE COUNTING MEANS AND THE POSITIONAL MEANS CONNECTING THE SENDING MEANS TO EFFECT A SCANNING OPERATION OF THE POSITIONS OF SAID DEVICES AND EFFECT OPERATION OF THE SENDING MEANS TO TRANSMIT ONE OF SAID SIGNALS FOR EACH OF THE DEVICES DEPENDING ON THE POSITION THEREOF, AND CHECK MEANS OPERABLE AT PREDETERMINED POINTS IN THE SCANNING OPERATION TO SEND A SYNCHRONIZATION CHECK SIGNAL COMPRISING